Penn State women’s lacrosse (12-7, 4-4 Big Ten) fell to Stanford (16-4, 8-2 ACC) 7-5 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Penn State had a strong first half and led the Cardinals 5-4. Despite the defense stepping up and allowing only three goals in the second half, the offense didn’t find the back of the net at all.

How It Happened

The Cardinals scored on their opening drive with a goal in front of the crease after they won the opening draw. Stanford had strong passing through X and quickly took advantage of its offensive opportunity.

Both teams had a turnover in their next drives. Penn State then had a free-position shot but missed, prompting Stanford to drive downfield and score its second goal. The team powered through traffic for yet another goal in front of the crease.

After a draw control win for the Nittany Lions, the team scored their first goal of the game. Erika Ho cut past a defender and cut to the middle of the field to put Penn State on the board.

Penn State forced two turnovers on Stanford’s next two possessions, but the Nittany Lions couldn’t capitalize and were issued a green card, giving the Cardinal the first woman-up opportunity of the game. Penn State held its ground but was unsuccessful on the next clear. Luckily, Sydney Manning made a great save, giving the team possession again. Emma Kelly then scored on a free-position shot to tie the game for Penn State.

Penn State won the next draw but drew a charge. Stanford successfully converted its clear and held onto the ball to end the first quarter. The game remained tied 2-2 entering the second.

Penn State blocked a pass to get back on offense. The team took its time offensively, and Delaney Radin found herself open near the goal and scored, giving Penn State its first lead of the game.

After a few back-and-forth possessions, the Cardinals equalized. Penn State’s defense opened up a lane, leading to a quick score. A little later, Payton Wainman retook the lead with another free-position opportunity.

Penn State won the next draw, but after a turnover, Stanford scored a goal on a strong cut through the slot. A media timeout was called with 7:10 remaining in the first half.

The game remained scoreless for the next five minutes. Penn State had a few turnovers on offense, but Manning made impressive saves on various drives for Stanford. With less than two minutes left in the half, Kelly scored her second goal on an amazing underhand shot with her back facing the goal. Penn State took another lead late into the second.

The first half ended as Penn State led 5-4 over the Cardinal. The Nittany Lions’ defense stepped up in the second quarter. Manning finished the first half with seven saves, and the team had six caused turnovers. The offense struggled to convert passes and find open lanes near the goal, but fought hard and found rhythm when needed.

Stanford won the first draw in the second half, but Manning saved the team’s next shot. Penn State failed its next three clearing attempts, and eventually, it led to a Stanford transition goal. The Cardinals were still finding lanes to get to the crease.

Subsequently, Penn State called a timeout with 7:50 left in the third quarter.

After some back-and-forth play, Stanford received a yellow card, and Penn State went woman-up late into the third quarter. Radin had a free-position shot opportunity, but hit the crossbar. The Nittany Lions had the ball in the final minute, but missed a shot and the chance to regain the lead. The third quarter ended 5-5 and with Penn State on an almost 17-minute scoring drought.

The Nittany Lions caused a turnover at the start of the fourth quarter. Kelly MacKinney had a behind-the-back shot that she thought went behind the line, but after the challenge, it was ruled a save. Stanford drove downfield and scored on a free-position shot. Penn State trailed 6-5 and had lost all confidence on the offense.

The Cardinals won the next draw and quickly scored another goal. Aliya Polisky scored her second for Stanford on a catch-and-shoot goal.

Manning had another great save after a media timeout, but Penn State still couldn’t find a strong shot attempt. The Cardinals started killing time, but eventually committed a shot clock violation. Penn State missed its next shot, and Stanford had possession under a minute left.

The Cardinals successfully held onto the ball and won the game 7-5. Penn State’s season finished after the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Takeaways

• Penn State’s defense started the first half strong, allowing four goals and having six caused turnovers. But the second half started slowly for the Nittany Lions, with three straight failed clear attempts. The team gave the Cardinals more free-position shot opportunities as well, resulting in the team taking a deficit.
• Penn State went on a huge scoring drought in the second half. The team didn’t score and finished the game with 16 total turnovers, uncharacteristic of a Kayla Treanor team.
• Manning stepped up for Penn State and kept the team alive on multiple occasions. During Penn State’s scoring drought, she allowed only three goals.
• This was the Nittany Lions’ sixth loss against a top 10 opponent, ending the year 0-6 in such games. While the season can still be marked as a success, Penn State has some improving to do before it can call itself one of the elites.

What’s Next?

With the loss, Penn State’s first season under Treanor has come to an end.